Barnstable's Beloved 2nd Summer Celebration Scheduled For September

BARNSTABLE, MA — Fireworks at Barnstable's Second Summer Celebration are returning in 2023, with town officials announcing the date for the event this week.

Barnstable has scheduled the fireworks for Sept. 2. With sunset at 7:13 p.m. that day officials have scheduled fireworks for a tentative 8 p.m. start. A rain date has been set for Sept. 3.

As locals know, there are a number of elements to consider when attending the event. Here's what to know for 2023.

FIREWORKS VIEWING

The fireworks show will be presented from a barge in Lewis Bay over Hyannis Harbor, officials said. Kalmus and Veterans Beaches will be open for viewing and parking is free after 4 p.m. Bathrooms will be open at both locations.

The Snack Bar at Kalmus will be open for the event and Perry’s Last Stand Ice Cream trucks will be at Veterans. Family-friendly games and activities are planned at Kalmus Beach from 5 to 8 p.m., including Barnstable’s Marine & Environmental “Critter Truck”, performances and workshops by Movement Arts Cape Cod and more.

The HyArts Artist Shanties will be open during the day at Bismore Park (Ocean Street) and the Harbor Overlook.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

There are several municipal lots in downtown Hyannis where free parking is available for up to six hours. There will be a two-hour maximum on Main Street and Old Colony Road. There is also pay to park at the Ocean Street and Bismore Park area lots, officials said.

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) has hourly parking available at the Hyannis Transportation Center. Long-term parking is also available for daily rates.

CCRTA’s Hyannis Trolley will operate on its regular routes with a loop every 45 minutes throughout the day. Usually, the service ends at 9 p.m., but service will be extended as needed to accommodate riders following the fireworks.

A parking ban will be in effect south of South Street (Ocean Street, Old Colony Boulevard, Gosnold Street and all streets running off of Gosnold Street) from 5 p.m. to midnight to allow for pedestrian access.

Parking will be available in the North Street and Town Hall parking lots. Tow-away zones will be strictly enforced and carpooling is suggested.